Agenda item

Urgent Items (if any)

This item has been brought forward for determination by Cabinet on 21 November following the implementation of the Pre-Election Period.  This item was unavailable prior to the publication of the Committee agenda but its consideration by scrutiny is considered as essential in the decision making process.

 

Right Home, Right Support – A Commissioning Strategy for Accommodation and Support for Children Looked After

 

To enable Members to undertake the pre-decision scrutiny of the Draft Commissioning strategy prior its consideration by Cabinet.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridgeman declared a personal interest in this item on the basis that he works for Action for Children who were involved in the purchase of a children’s home, it was never opened and is being sold.

 

The Chair certified this item as urgent as it is due to be considered by Cabinet on the 21 November 2019 following the implementation of the Pre-Election Period and that its consideration by the Scrutiny Committee is considered  as essential in the decision making process.  The item was unavailable prior to the publication of the Committee agenda.

 

Members were advised that the item enables the Committee to review and assess the Directorates 3 year Strategic Plan to deliver excellent outcomes for children, and to review how the Council and its partners will develop prevention, improve practice, support and develop the work force and improve services and performance. 

 

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Graham Hinchey, Claire Marchant (Director, Social Services), and Angela Bourge (Operational Manager, Strategy Performance and Resources) to the meeting.   

 

Members were provided with a presentation which outlined the Children Services Strategy (2019-2022) and the commissioning priorities for 2019-2022:

 

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Reshape Early Help and Support to Families;
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Our children and young people closer to Cardiff;
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Therapeutic and Mental Health and Well-being support;
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Reshape Short Breaks;
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Improve the Local Fostering Service;
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Increase the availability of local placements through collaborative market engagement;
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Increase local residential provision including emergency provision;
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Adolescent Provision; and
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Needs analysis

 

The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members.

 

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Members discussed the need to increase residential capacity in Cardiff, but were concerned to ensure, bearing in mind the recent high profile cases, that they are fit for purpose and are in suitable areas.  It was noted that if we are supposed to be a Child Friendly City, it is not fitting if residents are against a Childrens Home being operated in the area in which they live. 

 

Members were advised that it was homes for children that were required, not just more homes like Crosslands, there needs to be more short term assessments beds as well.  The whole range of provision is required.  It is the point of the strategy which is a key document moving forward. Crosslands provides a superb quality of care, it is hoped that in due course this will be replicated with Ty Storrie.  

 
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Members were advised that a deep analysis of the needs we are trying to meet has been undertaken, the strategy has been developed to look at the whole system.  There is an ongoing and detailed analysis of each of the priorities. 

 

Members discussed Social Worker retention and were advised that things are improving, however there is an issue with the salary that is available to Social Workers in Cardiff.  We are trying to ‘grow our own’ Social Workers and have currently seconded 10 members of staff on to a course.  Conversations are going with Welsh Government about the recruitment and retention of Social Workers across Wales. 

 

 

AGREED – That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations discussed during the Way Forward.

 

Supporting documents: